Exergoeconomic Analysis of Plum Drying in a Heat Pump Conveyor Dryer

Abstract

In this study, plum slices were dried in a heat pump dryer designed and constructed in Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. Drying experiments were carried out at an air temperature range of 45-55°C. The performance of the dryer along with its main components were evaluated using an exergy analysis method. Exergy destruction and capital cost rates were used for the exergoeconomic analysis, which is based on the quantities exergy, cost, energy, and mass (EXCEM) method. Exergy destruction rates to capital cost values Rex were obtained to vary between 1.668 and 2.063 W/ USD at different drying air temperatures. Ren values were observed to range from 6.258 to 5.749 W/USD. Ren values decreased as the drying air temperature increased, contrary to Rex values. Ṙex and Ṙen values increased linearly with increasing temperature due to the loss, whereas Ṙen decreased due to the relatively higher energy utilization efficiency of the heat pump. In the compressor, Ṙen and Ṙex values decreased with the increase in the temperature contrary to the other components. Ṙex had the lowest value in the drying duct. However, in the compressor, expansion valve, and heat recovery, Ṙex values were found to be higher and should be improved in these units. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.